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Post subject: Which Mustang? Decisions, Decisions
Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2011 7:50 pm
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Hi all! Just played an MII and an MIII at the local GC. I am not a huge fan of modeling amps, but I must say this series has changed my mind. Although I do not need the higher wattage of the III, I do like the on-board display. I could go on and on about how much more I like the III, but I am trying to keep as level headed about this as I can. I can easily afford the II, but would need to trade my Champion 600 to swing the III (which would not bother me).

Does anyone have experience with both of these to help me make a more informed decision?


Thanks in advance,
Jim


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Post subject: Re: Which Mustang? Decisions, Decisions
Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2011 8:48 pm
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There are a few good reasons to go for the III
1. You can tweak the presets easily without fuse. the II requires fuse to access adjustments that you can do on the III's controls.
2. The ability to use both 2 and 4 buttons footswitches together.
3. mid control on the amp not just treble and bass
4. 100 presets "not that you'll need them all"
5. 12" Celestion in the III ? in the II
6. Amp Cover available for the III for 20 bucks. A lot more for the II
7. The 2 button switch is included with the III, the One button switch is optional for the II

I was going to get a MII but held off when I heard about the MIII's coming out. when I went to order my MIII I got a MIV for 50 bucks more. Happy Day
Check out Sweetwater.com They have demo's now and then for a good deal.


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Post subject: Re: Which Mustang? Decisions, Decisions
Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2011 1:45 am
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Go for the III. The Champ 600 is boxy and tiny-sounding, and you can fake one out of the III anyways. The III has a huge amount going for it for only $100 more than the II, and I own both.


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Post subject: Re: Which Mustang? Decisions, Decisions
Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2011 4:18 am
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I concur, go with the III. I have a IV and I love it! I hope to sell my Vox AD30VT this summer and replace it with an MIII for the fall. IdahoRed has pretty much nailed the main points. Being able to use the 4 and 2 button pedals together is really nice for playing live.


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Post subject: Re: Which Mustang? Decisions, Decisions
Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2011 4:51 pm
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Although I have one of the first MII's ... these days I wouldn't buy a Mustang of any model until Fender has them sorted out. Not that you're destined to have any of the problems described in this forum ... it's just that if ya do ... you're stuck with the amp in hopes that Fender can make it good for you ... and why take the risk ...

KenB


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Post subject: Re: Which Mustang? Decisions, Decisions
Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2011 5:21 pm
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I'd go with the III also, I just orderd one myself. :mrgreen:


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Post subject: Re: Which Mustang? Decisions, Decisions
Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2011 6:36 pm
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Currently practising for a party gig using the Mustang II, and I'm finding that while it can keep up volume wise with drums etc, the actual tone does start to get pretty harsh when the Master setting goes over about 6.

As a result I will be micing it up and playing at about 3-4 instead.

I am guessing that if I had the MIII, with its extra watts and better speaker, I could get a decent sound that still cuts through without setting the master control nearly so high as on the II, and therefore without the need to mic it up.


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Post subject: Re: Which Mustang? Decisions, Decisions
Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2011 6:49 pm
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Thanks for the advice everyone. However, I am concerned about this piece...

KenB5 wrote:
Although I have one of the first MII's ... these days I wouldn't buy a Mustang of any model until Fender has them sorted out. Not that you're destined to have any of the problems described in this forum ... it's just that if ya do ... you're stuck with the amp in hopes that Fender can make it good for you ... and why take the risk ...

KenB



I have been reading some of the trouble threads but I was under the impression that they were mostly with the MI and MII models. Maybe I shouldn't be in such a hurry to buy. I am currently unemployed, but this was going to be a combined birthday and Father's Day gift from my wife and kids. And it will be my last big purchase for the near future anyway.


Jim


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Post subject: Re: Which Mustang? Decisions, Decisions
Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2011 10:44 pm
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The most common report of issues on this forum seems to be with the Mustang III, although that proably just reflects the fact that, as the 'mid-range model', its the Mustang amp that sells most.

Fender's warranty and replacement policy seems pretty solid, especially in the US, but I'm sure that having to go through that is a hassle you could probably do without.

I can understand your nervousness when reading a couple of the threads here, but while I would never belittle people's problems, there is no way of knowing how representative of all Mustang buyers they really are.

Some sort of statement from Fender here about these issues would maybe help potential customers like yourself in their decision making.


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Post subject: Re: Which Mustang? Decisions, Decisions
Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 2:31 am
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@ depepat

Where there's smoke there's fire ...

But you're right ... no telling how wide spread the problems are ...

KenB


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Post subject: Re: Which Mustang? Decisions, Decisions
Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 4:35 am
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depepat wrote:
The most common report of issues on this forum seems to be with the Mustang III, although that proably just reflects the fact that, as the 'mid-range model', its the Mustang amp that sells most.

Fender's warranty and replacement policy seems pretty solid, especially in the US, but I'm sure that having to go through that is a hassle you could probably do without.

I can understand your nervousness when reading a couple of the threads here, but while I would never belittle people's problems, there is no way of knowing how representative of all Mustang buyers they really are.

Some sort of statement from Fender here about these issues would maybe help potential customers like yourself in their decision making.


Thanks depepat! Yeah, I looked up the authorized service centers in this area and there are a couple fairly close to me but none that I have heard of. They are electronics businesses, but not music stores (I know that all service centers aren't).

If someone from Fender could chime in on this that would be appreciated. Loren Howard appears to be the one addressing user's concerns.


Thanks,
Jim


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Post subject: Re: Which Mustang? Decisions, Decisions
Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 5:52 am
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Definitely III - easier to use, more amp models, 2-button footswitch (with 4-button option) FX loop, nice lcd display minimises need for FUSE, better speaker/tone, more flexible if your needs change. No problems with the MIII I had - sounded great. Also, Fender customer service seems to be very good (based on forum interaction here, and my discussions with Fender UK & their speed and attentiveness to queries).

Rich :wink:

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"I started out with nothing ...and I've still got most of it left!" (Seasick Steve)


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Post subject: Re: Which Mustang? Decisions, Decisions
Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 6:54 pm
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Strat2k6,
Many service centers are electronics shop's. Most music stores don't have the business to keep a Qualified service staff, and Fender is pretty adament about quality service. If an amp needs to be replaced Fender ships a new amp to the shop or store. The replacement never comes from a stores inventory. I had a G-dec jr replaced by Fender. I sent to a music store (other state) instead of a shop (in state) only because the local store travels there twice a month so I did not have to deal with shipping. It still cost me 25 bucks from the local store for this. I actually think an electronics shop may have been a little faster as the service dept at the store was only staffed a few days a week and being I did not buy the amp from them they may have been a little slower. I highly praise Fender's warranty as they covered an amp I bought used and only had the paypal receipt. A store like GC may try and sell you an extended warranty but you don't need it. Unless you have to have a replacement amp immediately. And I'm still not sure how well they treat you if the amp has been discontinued and you still have warranty left. Fender however will send you a new amp period. even if it is the new model!!!


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Post subject: Re: Which Mustang? Decisions, Decisions
Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2011 11:14 am
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The main issue that doesn't seem to be solved in all cases is the tailing distortion issue. Make sure you play whatever Mustang amp you decide to buy BEFORE paying and taking home! Make sure you don't hear this distortion. The word is that amps manufactured in 2010 are the main culprits. Look for one from 2011, and you should be good, especially after you do the firmware upgrade.


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Post subject: Re: Which Mustang? Decisions, Decisions
Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2011 12:06 pm
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Thanks IdahoRed and bclarke675 for the additional information. I am going to pull the trigger on one of these tomorrow.

I will let everyone know when it's in my grubby paws!


Thanks again to everyone,
Jim


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